From Sporty to Chic: Here’s Where You Can Get Ballet Sneakers
Fashion has always been in a state of constant evolution. One thing that remains the same, however, is its refusal to stay stagnant. Particularly in this era, we’ve seen the resurgence of past trends and the rise of new ones. One such trend is the ballet sneakers (also known as the sneakerina). And whether you’re a fan or not, the unexpected fusion of the comfort of sneakers with the delicate elegance of ballet flats is taking over the fashion scene.
It is no secret that fashion loves to combine two different silhouettes into one hybrid ensemble, but the modernization of ballet flats might not have been on everyone’s 2025 bingo cards. Yet, it’s here, and many celebrities are hopping on the trend, including Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lawrence, Bella Hadid, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, and — perhaps more fittingly — Ballerina actress Ana de Armas. And it’s not that difficult to understand why: the hybrid shoe perfectly combines comfort and style.
The balletcore moment has continued to evolve from the traditional ballet shoe to a more utilitarian style. With the emergence of this trend, we’ve compiled a list of brands where you can snag your own ballet-inspired sneakers, à laTchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, but with a contemporary twist.
PUMA
PUMA has long been a major player in the athletic footwear industry, earning its reputation through collaborations with top athletes. However, the brand is also known for offering fashion-forward pieces. With sneakerina gaining traction in the footwear scene, PUMA has introduced its own take on the trend: the PUMA Speedcat Ballerina.
The Puma Speedcat line was originally designed for motorsports, specifically Formula 1. Over the years, though, it has become a staple streetwear favorite. Just as we thought it couldn’t get any more stylish, the German brand has delivered its take on Balletcore with its Speedcat Ballerina line, which combines the sporty sensibilities of its Speedcat line with the classic Mary Jane design. The result is a cool, sporty look paired with the sophisticated charm of ballet flats.
Style options include suede, metallic, and leather. Color variations depend on the store, but the Speedcat Ballerina is typically available in black, white, silver, and pink. You can purchase it through PUMA’s official website.
Onitsuka Tiger
Japanese footwear brand Onitsuka Tiger is best known for its Mexico 66 model — a classic, retro-style sneaker, recognized for its signature stripes. However, the iconic brand has recently given its classic line an update, this time putting a feminine spin on it with the Mexico 66 Ballerina shoes. Created in collaboration with French fashion house Patou for Onitsuka Tiger’s 75th anniversary, this special edition maintains the sneaker’s signature stripes while incorporating the gracefulness of ballet flats.
Meanwhile, the Mexico 66 TGRS — short for "Tigress" — is adorned with floral-patterned stripes, combining both girly and fun, all while staying true to its ever-popular design. Mexico 66 Ballerina is available in two colorways (black/white and white/cotton candy), while Mexico 66 TGRS comes in five variations: black/black, black/cream, crystal pink/graphite grey, ivory/cream, and silver/cream. Both models are available for purchase through Onitsuka Tiger’s official website.
Louis Vuitton
Of course, Louis Vuitton is never one to miss out on a trend. Part of the reason why the brand is a powerhouse in the fashion world is its ability to evolve while maintaining its luxurious identity. And with sneakerinas rising in popularity, the luxury brand has also hopped on the trend. Perhaps one of the most expensive options in this list, Louis Vuitton’s very own ballet sneakers line — called the LV Sneakerina — more than justifies its price point. It is created with supple leather, complete with the iconic LV initials and its famous monogram, extending from the sides all the way to the soles.
Available in various distinct versions, the LV Sneakerina boasts a diverse range of materials and vibrant color choices, including Lilac, Pistachio, Fuchsia, Green, and more. You may grab a pair through Louis Vuitton's website.
Vivaia
Vivaia, a brand renowned for its commitment to sustainability and comfort, offers a diverse range of footwear options, including heels, sandals, loafers, boots, and mules. However, the brand has gained particular attention for its take on Sneakerina, complete with a satin finish and a ribbon tie lace.
Called Cristina, the ribbon tie lace gives the Sneakerina an elegant, feminine touch, elevating the traditional sneaker design to something more refined and fashionable, like a true-blue ballerina. Cristina is available in grey silver, burgundy, light gold, black, peach blush, butter yellow, and dream blue. The brand also offers cream mesh and toast tan mesh square-toe sneakerina. It can be purchased through Vivaia’s website.
Adidas
There have been plenty of models that Adidas has perfectly tailored to the market. Some of the brand’s most popular ones include Samba, Gazelle, Stan Smith, Superstar, and more. Recently, Adidas has stepped into the balletcore trend with its Samba Jane and Taekwondo Mei Ballet offerings. Adidas’ take on the trend fuses minimalism, elegance, and comfort.
The Taekwondo Mei, in particular, comes in six different colors, while the Samba Jane (the brand’s nod to both its classic Samba model and the iconic Mary Jane shoe) also comes in six colors. Both are available for purchase via Adidas’ official website.
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